Events & Sales Manager

The Events & Sales Manager plays a key role in developing events offerings, driving events and group sales revenue, and overseeing every aspect of event planning and execution for their location. This role includes both the creation of unique events and experiences as well as prospecting and engaging potential clients, negotiating contracts, and ensuring a seamless event delivery that exceeds guest expectations and aligns with business objectives.

Responsibilities:  

• Develop and execute event program for specified location
• Drive revenue through corporate events and meetings, conventions and tradeshow related functions, and private social events
• Proactively identify and build relationships with prospective event clients
• Showcase event spaces, services, and offerings to drive bookings
• Negotiate contracts, pricing and terms to close sales and maximize value
• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure client needs are met
• Ensure all events comply with all operational, health and safety regulations
• Develop and implement sales strategies to increase event bookings
• Forecast revenue and track sales data to monitor event profitability
• Represent event offerings at industry events, trade shows, and networking functions
• Build strategic partnerships with local area hotels, CVB and tourism bureaus, and local organizations
• Identify seasonal and local opportunities tied to large scale conventions, holidays, and major events
• Deliver exceptional guest experiences to maintain high satisfaction levels
• Cultivate strong client relationships to encourage repeat and referral business

Required Qualifications:  

• Minimum of high school diploma or GED equivalent
• 3 years of Event Planning, Event Sales, and/or Event Management experience
• Strong client-facing presentation and negotiation skills
• Highly organized with the ability to manage events simultaneously
• Skilled in Microsoft Office
• Skilled in Marketing, Project Management, and Customer Service

P referred Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in Event Management, Hospitality, Marketing or Related Field
• Event Planning Certification (CMP, CSEP or equivalent)
• Background in experiential retail, lifestyle brands, and/or entertainment venues
• Established relationships with local meeting and events planners, hotels, CVBs
• Proven history of successful event bookings and execution

Behavioral Traits for Success:  

• Driven to achieve results that align with the strategic goals of the organization
• Initiative, sense of urgency, and the ability to stay focused on results despite changing conditions
• Decision-making is focused on implementing practical and timely solutions
• A natural leadership style that trains and engages others in an enthusiastic way
• Learns quickly
• Innovative and creative problem solver
• Maintains a positive outlook when handling setbacks
• Action-oriented
• Influences and stimulates others to action

Working Environment:  

• Fifty percent local travel
• Ability to sit, stand, and walk for at least eight hours a day in a multi-level environment
• Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments
• A schedule that is based on when and where events take place, which will include days, nights, weekends, & holidays
• Ability to lift > 25 pounds

Your Performance Will Be Measured On:  

Your ability to achieve annual department objectives and corporate goals which include but are not limited to the following: 

• Event bookings
• Execution of events
• Communication
• Time management
• Decision-making and judgment
• Profitability
• Effective execution of brand standards and company initiatives
• Embodying Build-A-Bear's core values
• Use of tools and resources
• Ability to foster team collaboration, communication, and performance
• Stakeholder feedback

This description is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Supervisors may assign additional functions and requirements as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent an expressed or implied contract of employment, nor does it alter your at-will employment, and Build-A-Bear, Inc. reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as may be deemed appropriate.